Police Bust Drug Gang in Mağusa August 2024
The Mağusa Narcotics Police successfully dismantled a drug gang during the “Dynamite Operation,” which began in Tatlısu and concluded in Vadili. This operation resulted in the seizure of various drugs and a substantial amount of cash suspected to be from drug sales.
The operation ended with the arrest of suspects Ömer Karakaya, Erdoğan Karakaya, and Bülent Yılmaz, using reasonable force after four warning shots were fired into the air. Police officer Erkan Çelik, from the Narcotics and Smuggling Prevention Directorate, testified in court, revealing that the police began tracking the suspects after receiving information about their possession of drugs at around 10:00 AM on August 21.
The suspects were initially spotted in a rental car near Tatlısu. Bülent Yılmaz was arrested on the spot, while Ömer and Erdoğan Karakaya fled upon noticing the police presence. The police pursued them to the village of Tirmen, where the suspects ignored warnings to stop and fired shots into the air, eventually discarding a bag from their car before escaping. The abandoned vehicle was found in Vadili, containing 35 grams of cocaine and cash totaling 162,040 TL, 3,000 pounds, and 200 euros.
The discarded bag recovered in Tirmen contained 50 grams of cannabis, 4 grams of methamphetamine, 2 grams of cocaine, and 6 pills. Ömer and Erdoğan Karakaya were apprehended in Vadili later that evening. A search of their homes and persons revealed additional drugs, including 6 pieces of drug paper, 5 grams of cocaine, and 1 gram of methamphetamine.
The police informed the court that the investigation was ongoing, with plans to verify and analyze the suspects’ statements and evidence. Judge Semra Kaymaklılı Güven ordered the suspects’ detention for one day to aid the investigation.
